Well this got posted faster than I thought it would. So this is the new fic I was talking about, based around an artist's drawing. Let's see, let's go through who all inspired things in this:

InfiniteCity-Of course gets the biggest credit for this, since I wouldn't be writing it if not for her picture on Deviantart. It was awesome, by the way. So, if you guys want to check it out. Go find it on Deviantart. Go look up InfiniteCity and look for the picture I used for the cover art. Go praise her, she really deserves the praise for this awesome piece of art.

AdurnaJierda-the story's title. After editing it and told him I was trying to think of a title, he offered me the one it has after sharing some personal stuff with me. So thank you, my beta.

Viria-Some of you probably know who this is. If not, you should. She is probably one of my favorite artists when it comes to depicting Percy. Like, she gets it spot on for what I imagine him looking like. Super talented. Anyways, she inspired the last scene with Nico. Mainly the part where he clutches his head and screams, as well as thinking back to the first time he saw Percy. Go find her on tumblr and let her know how awesome she is.

Chapter 1

Putting Gaea back to sleep and defeating all of her giants was a very trying and taxing experience, to put it lightly. It was something that Percy Jackson was not sure he would have ever been truly ready for, but they had managed and that was what was important. And now that it was all over, he had nothing to occupy his thoughts. It was over, finally.

Would this mean that he was going to be able to settle down? Was that even possible for him?

Percy looked up from the passing ground below them when someone touched his arm. Black bangs fell in his eyes when he removed his hand from its resting place on his temple when he moved.

Annabeth stood there with a look of concern on her face. Her tattered clothes from the final battle had been replaced over their trip back home, but the worn look in her eyes was still present. "We're almost home," she informed him. Percy just put on a small smile and gave her a nod. She pursed her lips. "Are you okay?"

His smile brightened and he slid an arm around her waist. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

His girlfriend just shook her head, staring up at him. "You've just been really quiet ever since we started our trip home. I'm a little worried."

"I think we're all just tired and ready to get home," Percy assured her.

She stood there for a long while, not really saying anything as they simply glanced below them as the Argo II sailed closer to Camp Half-Blood. From the messages they had received since their return voyage commenced, the Romans were still there. Probably partially because Hazel and Frank were on board the Argo II, and partially because there was already talk of a joint camp celebration party.

Nearly forty minutes later, Percy finally got his first glimpse of the camp that he had called home since he was twelve. A real smile found its way onto his face as he began to make out the cabins. It felt like so long since he had been here, and it was long overdue. Annabeth squeezed his hand.

There was already a large crowd surrounding the Argo II by the time Leo set it down . And by the time the seven demigods managed getting off the ship, they were swarmed and partially tackled by the cheering crowd. The most surprising of which came straight at Percy.

The second her arms were around him, Percy felt like a child all over again. He buried his nose in her long brown hair and shut his eyes. He had missed her so much. "Mom," Percy whispered, squeezing her tighter.

Sally Jackson wove her hands through his hair and held onto him like she was about to lose him all over again. "Oh, Percy, I'm so happy you're okay." Taking a step back, she ran her hand down his cheek. Percy's eyes widened when she pointed a finger in his direction. "We won't get into the fact that all I get is a voicemail to let me know you're alive, because at least you are as such." In the next instant, her arms were around him again. "Don't make me worry like that again, you here me, Perseus Jackson?"

Percy couldn't help but smile. "Yes, ma'am."

"Percy, my man!" Grover squeezed Percy's shoulder, beaming brightly. "So, I see you escaped from Tartarus. Didn't run into Medusa or anyone like that while you were down there, did you?"

The Son of Poseidon chuckled and shook his head. "As much as I'm sure I would have enjoyed her company, thankfully we didn't see her." Percy then took notice of the short nymph on Grover's arm. Smiling, Percy gave her a nod. "Juniper."

However, the next surprise was not as pleasant for Percy. Like a bull, Clarisse came stomping towards them. "Jackson! Do you have any idea what all we've been having to do to make up for your sorry tail is goofing off?"

"If you count saving the world as goofing off," Leo mumbled from behind Percy.

"Ah, Clarisse, that reminds me," Percy began. Stepping aside, he grabbed Frank and shoved the Roman demigod forward. "Meet Frank, he's a son of Mars. I think you'll enjoy hearing about some of his experiences from our trip." Percy glanced at Hazel, who stood beside Frank. "Actually, perhaps Hazel might tell it more to your liking."

Clarisse grinned wickedly and slung her arm around Frank's neck. "Well come on then, I've been nothing but bored ever since that Roman girl and death boy arrived with that statue."

Percy blinked. That's right, he needed to thank Nico, Hedge, and Reyna for bringing the statue to camp. The green-eyed demigod smiled and hugged his mother a final time. "I'll be right back, I need to talk to some people."

What was left of the seven seemed to understand what he meant, as the other four followed after him. It took them a while to get through most of the crowd, and even longer to get the confetti that Travis and Connor threw at them out of their hair. But when they reached the Big House, Percy found a very satisfying sight.

Chiron and Dionysus were sitting there, playing cards like they usually were. But in front of them, hands chained, was Octavian. The blond augur looked downright furious, his face nearly matching the Camp Jupiter shirt that he wore. Rachel stood over the blond, a smirk on her face. The camp's oracle nodded in agreement with something that Reyna was saying to her.

The praetor had an annoyed look on her face as she shook her head. She motioned to Octavian, and whatever she said made Rachel laugh. Though, from what Percy could tell, Reyna did not seem amused herself. And then there was the final person waiting there, the person that Percy had come to owe three times at a minimum ever since their quest had begun.

Nico stood behind Octavian, his arms crossed and one of his hands resting close to his sword. The boy stood in the large shadow that the Athena Parthenos cast from where it stood beside the Big House. He was also the first to notice the group approaching, his shoulders stiffening instantly.

Rachel looked up and smiled brightly at them. "You're back!" She exclaimed. She jumped over Octavian, hitting the blond in the face with her foot as she did so. She skidded to a halt and walked beside Percy as the demigod walked, until they stood in front of Chiron, Reyna, and Dionysus.

"Oh good, you're back, Penny Johnson," Dionysus droned. Chiron smiled warmly.

Percy frowned. "That's a girl's name, sir."

Dionysus briefly glanced up from his cards to arch a brow at the Son of Poseidon. "I know," he stated before playing a card from his hand.

Percy rolled his eyes. Annabeth and Piper were already talking with Reyna, hugging the girl for what she had done. Percy found it odd, the girl seemed so uncomfortable with hugging the two girls back. He wondered why that was. But that was not the most confusing thing Percy found.

Jason was already talking to Nico. The blond threw an arm around the Son of Hades, and pulled Nico, who squirmed insistently, into a hug. "Just accept that this is happening," Jason laughed.

"I will put you six feet under, Grace!" Nico growled, struggling to grasp at his sword. When he saw no hope of reaching it, his shoulders slumped and let Jason squeeze him tighter. "I hate you," he mumbled.

Jason laughed and released the pale boy. "We couldn't have done it without you, man."

When Nico noticed Percy standing there, watching the two of them, the boy froze. Jason seemed to catch on and released Nico, clearing his throat. Percy stepped forward and held out his hand. Nico stared at it like he was being offered a year old taco that had been sprayed by a skunk.

Percy wiggled his hand, still waiting for Nico to take it. Nico's eyes dulled and he held his hand out. Percy grinned and grasped it, using it to pull the boy into his chest. Nico's entire body went as stiff as a board when Percy wrapped his arms around Nico's back. Jason's eyes widened and he fumbled with his mouth, seemingly unsure what he should do.

"You were awesome, Nico," Percy said. The boy in his arms remained silent, but his hands tightened as they balled the back of Percy's shirt up. "We couldn't have done it without you. And I owe you a lot. You might have lied when you made it seem like we didn't know each other, but you did a lot for us. You got the others to the Greece, you got the statue back here, and Annabeth and I wouldn't have made it out of Tartarus if it weren't for you."

Nico did not respond. He pushed Percy back, his eyes cast to the ground with a heavy frown on his face. "You don't owe me anything," the boy mumbled. Jason stepped forward, but Nico held a hand out to stop him. Dark eyes flickered up to meet Percy's green ones. "You don't have to thank me for any of that."

"But we do," Annabeth smiled. She placed her arm on Percy's shoulder, smiling down at the Son of Hades. "From all of us, thank you, Nico."

Nico only lowered his gaze further, making it impossible for anyone to see his eyes. When he found the boy was not going to answer, Percy placed a hand on Nico's shoulder. "You know, I feel like I've been a really lousy friend to you ever since we met. And I'd like to change that, if you'd let me. You could stick around camp and we could talk."

When the boy still did not answer, Percy turned to Annabeth for support. She just smiled and nodded, motioning towards Nico. Percy let out a sigh. This was harder than he thought it was going to be. Why was Nico being so difficult? Was accepting gratitude really so hard for the kid?

Percy let out a breath before continuing. "I should have...been there for you more. You were alone, and no one should have had to endure what all you went through. So, what do you say?" Percy tilted his head to the side, hoping to catch the boy's eyes.

When Nico looked up, his face was entirely blank of emotion. His hands were balled into fists at his side as he looked up at the Son of Poseidon. But the only form of answer he got was a nod, a sad look barely visible in the boy's eyes.

Jason sighed and inhaled deeply. He ruffled Nico's hair. "We'll talk later, yeah?"

"Sure, whatever," Nico mumbled before shoving past everyone and heading towards the cabins.

Percy, Jason, Annabeth, Piper, and Leo turned their attention to Octavian, who glared up at all of them. "Well, perhaps he won't be any further trouble to any of us," Reyna announced. "We'll take him back to Camp Jupiter, where he'll stripped of all his ranks for nearly inciting a war." She then looked to Jason. "What of you? Will you be returning? I'm not sure what will come now that Frank is praetor, but I'm sure we could figure something out."

Jason smiled and placed an arm around Piper. "Actually, I think I'm going to stick around here. While Camp Jupiter has been good to me, I just feel like this is where I belong now."

Reyna truly had a poker face, her expression unreadable as she stared into Jason's blue eyes. "Very well." She gave a nod to Dionysus and Chiron. "If you'll excuse me, I need to lock this prisoner up before the celebrations begin."

Chiron gave her a nod. Once she was gone, the centaur smiled up at Percy and the others. "And so the mighty heroes return. I don't think I've been so proud since the heroes of old."

"It's good to be home, Chiron," Percy smiled. Annabeth squeezed his hand.

He knew what it meant. They still needed to discuss their plans. The last they had talked about it, they were going to move to Camp Jupiter. Percy let his hand drop from Annabeth. "I think we all could use some rest, though, before the celebration happens."

Annabeth jogged after him when he was nearly to his cabin. "Percy?" She grabbed his hand to get him to stop. "You're not fine, so talk to me."

Percy smiled back at her. "I'm fine, I promise. Just tired." He stretched his arms above his head. "I think I'm going to take a quick nap before the feast." Leaning in, he pecked her on the lips. "You should probably get some rest, too."

"Yeah," Annabeth mumbled as Percy let his hand fall out of her grasp and walk away.

Percy was not sure he had ever been so full in his life, which was saying something, considering how much he normally ate. Percy and Jason had sat next to each other at dinner, laughing and stuffing their faces. Their girlfriends had just smiled at each other and shook their heads, mumbling about how ridiculous boys were. Reyna only nodded her head in agreement with the two girls.

Percy retold most of their adventures, with help from the others when he had not been around to witness something. It was mostly to fill his mother in on what had happened, but quite a few campers had gathered around their table to listen in on the stories.

When it came time for the seven to hear about Reyna and Nico's trip back to Camp Half-Blood, though, Nico refused to comment. The Son of Hades stared down at his chalice of Coke with a pained expression. Noticing this herself, Reyna cleared her throat and took over for the two of them.

Apparently, Nico had gotten seriously injured on their trip back after getting slashed in the neck by a harpy's talon. But a few days with the Apollo kids, and Nico was as good as new. The brown-eyed boy rubbed at his neck with a frown. After arriving back at camp and letting Hedge run Nico to sickbay, Reyna had taken charge of the Roman army again and promptly arrested Octavian on the spot.

"Just in time, too," Reyna said, "as we ended up getting attacked shortly thereafter."

Jason nudged the Son of Hades next to him. "At least your still in one piece, dude."

Nico just grumbled and rubbed his arm. Jason frowned down at the boy before taking a drink. Percy was not sure if he would ever understand what went on between the two of them while he and Annabeth were in Tartarus. And, according to Piper, she didn't understand it herself.

After the group was finished eating, they headed over to the campfire that was blazing nearby. Sally decided to head home to Paul and let him know Percy was okay, but not before she made Percy promise to come visit within a few days. Percy just smiled and assured his mother that not even an army of drakons could keep him away.

And Percy was happy to see Nico was apparently willing to be more social now. By the time they arrived, the Son of Hades was already at the campfire with Jason, after the blond had asked to have a word with Nico.

"I just wanted to say thank you," Nico said, staring up at the blond. Percy came to a halt with the others, letting the two have their talk. "You've been a good friend. Thank you."

Jason smiled and pulled Nico into a hug, which the boy miraculously let the blond do. "I was just worried about you, man."

"Yeah," Nico mumbled against the blond's shoulder. He caught sight of Percy, the pained look returning to his brown eyes, and pulled away from the Son of Jupiter.

Jason fist bumped Percy as the group went about passing around a marshmallow bag. Tonight was a good night, Percy thought, and he was glad that even Nico was looking like he might enjoy himself. He had meant what he had said to the boy. Especially after what happened with Bob, Percy truly felt like he needed to be a better friend to the boy.

Nico cleared his throat. "Hazel, I, uh, have something for you."

The Daughter of Pluto blinked and stepped around Frank, moving off to the side with her brother. Percy smiled and sat down on a log. Annabeth sat beside him, biting off the marshmallow she had been roasting. "He's grown up."

"Yeah," Percy muttered. "He still worries me, though."

Annabeth elbowed him. "After what he did, you still don't trust him?"

Percy quickly shook his head. "No, that's not what I meant. I guess I'm just, uh, worried about his mental state. Thinking about going through Tartarus... I only made it because I had you. I don't even understand how the poor kid managed."

Annabeth hummed and nodded. "Maybe he's tougher than he looks."

"Maybe," Percy mumbled, glancing at Nico and Hazel.

Hazel chewed on her lip, now holding a familiar greet hat. Percy's mouth fell slightly agape. He knew that hat anywhere. "I want you to have it," Nico told her.

Without answering, Hazel flung her arms around the boy and it seemed like she did not want to let him go. "Thank you," she whispered back. "I'll take good care of it."

Placing a kiss to Hazel's forehead, Nico slipped his hands into his pockets and took off towards the lake. Percy frowned as he watched the boy go. Perhaps he had jumped the gun a little on Nico trying to enjoy himself.

Jason stood to go after the boy, but Piper stopped him. "Leave him alone for a bit," she told the blond. "I'm sure he needs a moment to process everything. I know I do."

It was nice, seeing how everyone's reaction to Nico had changed slightly. At least in their group. The rest of the camp seemed to still shy away from him, but Nico did not act like he really cared. After Nico had left with Reyna to take the statue back, Jason had joked about how scary Nico could be. To Percy, though, Nico would always be that ten year old boy that played Mythomagic.

Perhaps it was his fault that kid was gone. Just like Bob was gone, a voice sounded in the back of his head.

As much as he had done, he still could not save everyone. Percy still could not save the people he needed to when it mattered. He felt like a failure.

Annabeth squeezed his hand. "You okay?"

Percy did not even look away from the fire. "Yeah," he whispered. He wasn't. He would never truly be okay. Letting out a sigh, Percy stood up. "I think I'm gonna head down to the lake, need to think."

Annabeth frowned, but did not object to Percy's request. He knew he needed to talk to Annabeth, but he really did not know where to even begin. His mind was just constantly racing with thoughts like the ones he had just had. He did not feel like the hero everyone said he was. Right now, he just felt like a failure that did not even deserve the beautiful girl at the end of the story.

When he got to the dock, Percy found Nico standing at the edge of it, staring down at the water. "I thought you didn't like the water," Percy said, startling the pale boy. The green-eyed boy chuckled. "I guess it is possible to get the jump on you."

"Had to get put in that jar somehow, didn't I?"

Percy nodded. He supposed that was true. Rubbing the back of his neck, the Son of Poseidon sat down next to where Nico stood. He slipped off his shoes and stuck his feet in the cold water. His body was instantly filled with the sense of comfort.

"I guess I can't be alone tonight," Nico muttered, tossing a rock into the water.

"Don't you ever get tired of being alone?" Percy leaned back on his palms, his raven hair falling out of his eyes when he looked up at the Son of Hades. "Been along for so long, I'd figure you'd be fine with having some company."

Nico sat down, refusing to look at Percy. "Why change what you're comfortable with?" Percy noticed Nico twisting the skull ring on his hand. A chill spread through the air. "Don't you want to get back to your party?"

"It's your party, too," Percy told him. "You helped. And like I said, we—I owe you, man. Nico-"

The boy held up his hand. "Please, don't. I told you that you don't have to apologize. I did it because I wanted to, no one had to ask me."

Percy chuckled and patted Nico's leg, which the boy quickly drew away from. The green-eyed demigod quirked a brow at him. "Well, I'm sorry." Percy offered the other boy a small smile, a sort of peace offering. "I know we've had our disagreements, but I want to think of you as a friend. I should have never doubted you, even if I never vocalized it. You came through for us."

Nico gave him a dull look, like Annabeth usually did when Percy missed something. The boy just sighed and shook his head. "You're an idiot."

Percy pouted, crossing his legs and leaning forward. "That's not nice. I was trying to have a moment with you, man. Me, you, and Jason, we should all be friends." A bright grin spread across his face. "We could go on quests together and fight the bad guys." He grabbed Nico's shoulder and motioned to the night sky in front of them. "We could be the Dynamic Trio. Just imagine it, the sons of the Big Three fighting at each others' sides."

Nico rolled his eyes, but seemed slightly amused. "Strike that, you're a bigger idiot that I thought. Besides, aren't you going to Camp Jupiter with Annabeth?"

Percy picked at his shorts. "I guess," he mumbled. Nico looked at him curiously, but did not question Percy further.

Nico stood to his feet. Percy jumped up as well, waiting for the other boy to say something. The sound of the campers near the campfire could be heard in the distance. When Nico just stared down at his feet, Percy smiled and placed a hand on Nico's shoulder.

"We'll talk tomorrow, yeah? We can hangout and chat." He playfully punched Nico's arm as they walked off the docks and onto the grass. "Maybe you can be on my team during capture the flag. I heard Chiron and Reyna talking about putting on a game between the Greeks and the Romans. What do you say?"

Nico looked up with a sad smile. "Yeah, sounds fun."

Percy nodded back, smiling again. He felt good, this was progress. "Well," Percy began, "I guess I better get back to the party. If you get tired of sitting out here, come back and join us."

When Percy turned to leave, he felt a tug on the back of his shirt. "Percy?"

The green-eyed boy blinked and turned back around. Nico chewed on his lip, refusing to look up at Percy. The boy fidgeted and Percy could feel a sense of dread wash over him. "What's wrong?" He asked the other boy.

"I, uh, wanted to tell you..." Nico opened and closed his mouth, as if he were lost for words. Black bangs covered Nico's eyes as the boy stared down at the ground. "Nothing, it's nothing," he whispered. Percy tilted his head to the side with a frown. Turning back around, Percy went to leave again, but Nico decided to try speaking again. "I'm glad you didn't get yourself killed out there."

Percy turned to give the boy a cocky response, but found Nico had vanished into the shadows. Percy scratched his head in confusion. It was then that he noticed the ground.

The grass had withered and died where Nico had once stood.

Looking back on things, Jason should have seen this coming. The blond shook his head as he stood in the doorway of the Hades cabin. Hazel sat on the edge of Nico's bed, looking like she might start crying at any moment.

"He was here last night," she told them.

"Maybe he's just out for a walk," Piper offered.

Jason shook his head. "I don't think that's it." He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't think we're going to find out him anytime soon, not until he wants to be found."

Hazel clung to the green hat that Nico had given her. Percy had told Jason last night that it had used to belong to Nico's biological sister, Bianca. "But why would he just vanish without saying anything?"

Before Jason could give a response, Percy and Annabeth came bursting into the cabin. Percy's brow wrinkled as he looked around the cabin. "He's really gone then?"

"Yeah," Jason whispered. It was best if he did not tell the others that Nico had been planning this for some time now. In all honesty, Jason had just not expected Nico to actually do it. He had to wonder if Percy might have said something to get to Nico without knowing it. But there was no way of asking without raising suspicion.

"What about one of those Iris messages?" Frank offered. Hazel looked up hopefully. Leo pulled out a drachma and offered it to the girl.

Percy offered up his cabin for Hazel to try using an Iris message. But all they were met with was darkness and an automated message from Iris. "We're sorry, but the person you are trying to reach is currently out of reach. Please try back again later."

Hazel sighed and sat down at the foot of Percy's bed. "I don't understand," she whispered. Annabeth and Piper sat down on either side of the girl, patting her on the back.

"We'll find him," Percy promised the girl.

Jason was not sure the Son of Poseidon could end up living up to that promise. If he was sure about one thing with Nico, it was that the boy could not be found if he did not want to be. He knew that from his own personal experiences with looking around the Argo II for the boy after their encounter with Cupid. How the guy managed avoiding the entire crew was beyond him.

Jason placed his hand on Hazel's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll be okay. Nico is strong, he can take care of himself."

The other guys in the cabin nodded their agreement. Jason had no doubt in his mind that what he had said was true. Nico did not need protection. Another thing Percy had told him was how the crack in the pavilion had gotten there. If a ten year old Nico could have done what he did, Jason could only imagine what Nico would be capable of now. Perhaps the others underestimated the Son of Hades when they tried comparing him to Percy or Jason. A child of the Big Three was anything but weak.

Jason sighed and looked out the window. "Where have you gone off to?" He whispered to himself.

How had it even come to this? How had he fallen this hard? He just wanted to be over the green-eyed jerk. Was that so much to ask for? But, no, Nico was forever doomed to like Percy Jackson. As much as he probably should hate Percy, there was no way Nico could manage to do that.

All that ran through his head ever since he got to the grassy mountaintop was the first time he had even laid eyes on the Son of Poseidon. Even back then, Percy had been the most beautiful person that Nico had laid eyes on. Percy had been all Nico had seen as the other demigod had put himself between Nico and Bianca and the manticore.

It was all so sickeningly heroic, Nico thought, the way he stared up at the taller boy back then. His eyes wide in awe as he watched Percy's sword come to life from its pen form. Even with Bianca clinging on to him, Nico's entire world had consisted of nothing but Percy.

How could one person seem so larger than life?

Nico's hair whipped in the wind. Looking up, Nico stared out at the vast expanse before him. It was so quiet, and yet his mind was screaming nonstop. He felt like he had been thrown into Tartarus all over again with the hell that had been put upon him.

He had hoped that things would have been different, that maybe he could have managed being around the Son of Poseidon, but last night had been too painful. And, so, like a coward, he ran. Nico's eyes dulled at the ground far below him.

Why had they saved him? It could have all been over. All his pain would have ended, and he would have no longer had to face the Son of Poseidon that haunted him so much. Perhaps he could have been reunited with his mother in the afterlife.

It had almost slipped out last night, but fear had stopped him. What if Percy had laughed at him, or found it disgusting? It didn't matter that Jason had told him Percy wouldn't do that, the rational part of his brain already knew that probably wouldn't happen anyways, but it did not stop the fear that was built up inside of him.

With a dull look in his eyes, Nico stood up and began walking around in the grass. He felt angry and frustrated, on top of all the fear inside him. Why did he have to be this way? What would his mother have thought? Or what about Bianca?

Nico's eyes fell to the grass at that thought. Maybe she did know, and that was why she wanted to leave him and join the Hunters.

And to top it all off, Percy had tried to make amends with him. He should have been happy, but he wasn't. Because he knew it would lead to nothing but disappointment. No matter how much he wanted the other boy, Percy would never be his.

"Who even says things like that?" Nico mumbled to himself, beginning to pace. A deep frown had set in on his face. Looking up, Nico scowled. "I hope your happy," he hissed. "Probably aren't even listening, you stupid winged jerk."

Nico clutched at his head, shutting his eyes. His heart hurt, aching inside of his chest uncontrollably. He just wanted to it stop. Why wouldn't it stop?

In a fit of rage, Nico tore off his sword and tossed it to the ground before yanking off his jacket and throwing it across the grassy field. He stared down at his hands, which were shaking. Everywhere that Percy had touched him yesterday burned like fire.

Weaving his hands into his hair again, Nico scrunched his eyes shut and screamed as loudly as he could. The mountain trembled under his feet. All around him, the grass died and slowly spread out around him until the entire top of the mountain was covered in dead grass. Still, the boy screamed until his throat was raw.

When Nico opened his eyes, tears streaked down his cheeks. His body now drained, Nico collapsed onto the ashy grass beneath him. He stared up at the bright sky with a blank expression. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, while his hands shook on either side of him.

Still looking up at the sky, Nico whispered, "I wanted to take the statue because of you. I took you to the River Styx because I couldn't stand watching you die. And you were on my mind while I was in Tartarus and inside that clay pot." Nico reached up and wiped at his face. "I acted like I didn't know you because I wished I could have forgotten about you, like you forgot about me."

Sitting up, Nico brought his legs up to his chest and buried his face in his knees, his arms wrapped tightly around his legs. If there was such a thing as loving someone at first sight, it was when Nico had first met Percy.

I know it's short in comparison to what I usually write, but this is just the prologue and I wanted to set the tone for the story. Especially the end, I thought it needed to be put in. Love me some Nico. Not sure how long this will be, but I can say that it won't be super long until that picture of InfiniteCity's comes to life in this story. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this. A little lighter tone than I've been writing, but let's not really call it fluff either. Let me know what you thought.